3 minutes to read

12/04/2018

The classic "Western" diet consumed by Americans is sorely lacking in many of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health. An NBC News article cites studies showing that 77 percent of men don't get enough key nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, potassium, and iodine, among others.

The best way to get your vitamins and minerals is through the food you eat, but most of us don't consume the kind of fruit and vegetable-rich diets that provide the best possible nutrition. Supplements help fill in the gaps and reduce the risk of deficiencies that can result in serious health problems. A lack of essential nutrients can lead to devastating health problems including heart disease and colon or prostate cancer.

Here are five essential nutrients men need for optimal health but often lack in their diet.

1. Vitamin D

According to Scientific American, between 45 and 75 percent of American adults have some degree of vitamin D deficiency. This is particularly true for those who spend most of their time indoors. Men need vitamin D for testosterone production, and it promotes strong bones, a healthy brain, and ideal cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Most of the vitamin D we get comes from the sun. Spending 15 to 20 minutes in the sun most days of the week will help ensure you get the vitamin D you need, but you can also get some of this nutrient from eating eggs and fortified dairy products. A vitamin D supplement is essential if you're vegan or don't go outside very often.

2. Vitamin B12

A deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and problems with the central nervous system. But older men often have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 due to medications used to treat heartburn, blood pressure, and diabetes.

Lamb, beef, and salmon are particularly high in vitamin B12, which occurs in most animal proteins. If you're vegetarian, consider taking a supplement that contains it.

Antioxidants keep your immune system functioning optimally and can reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and skin problems. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables in all colors helps you get the vitamins A, C, and E you need, and a daily supplement ensures you're covered on the antioxidant front.

4. Vitamin K

Heart disease is the number-one cause of death among adult men in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Vitamin K is an important nutrient in the prevention of heart disease. A deficiency in vitamin K may occur among men who don't eat a lot of vegetables or dairy products, those who take antibiotics and other medications, and those with digestive problems like IBS or Crohn's disease, which prevent optimal vitamin K absorption.

Vitamin K is found in green vegetables like leafy greens and broccoli, and it's abundant in cage-free eggs and some wild-caught fish as well.

5. Potassium

Low potassium levels in the body increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure. Nearly one in three adult men have high blood pressure, and potassium is an essential nutrient for better cardiovascular health. A potassium deficiency may occur in men who take medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease and in men who heavily consume alcohol.

Potassium is found in beans, avocados, bananas, salmon, and grass-fed beef. During illnesses that involve fever, diarrhea, or a high risk of dehydration, extra potassium supplementation is a good idea.

Prostavol Supplements Can Help

Prostavol has a variety of supplements to help ensure men get the nutrients they need for good overall health. Our Brain Support supplement is rich in antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium, while our powerful Prostate Support contains 33 ingredients to help you maintain good prostate health and reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Used along with a healthy, mostly plant-based diet, Prostavol supplementation can help improve your health and wellbeing well into your Golden Years.

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